How does genetic testing for breast cancer work?
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American Cancer Society answered:Genetic testing is done only after you and your health care team feel sure that it is the best thing for you and your family. There are several steps before the actual testing is completed.
The first step in genetic testing is to find out how likely you are to develop breast cancer. This risk is based on the pattern of breast cancer in your family (called a family history) and other factors. Your risk may be looked at by a doctor, nurse, or trained genetic counselor.
You will talk about your reasons for wanting genetic testing. Your family history (as far back as possible) will be reviewed in depth. The patterns of breast cancer, and certain other cancers, in your family will be identified. It is important to confirm the cancers in your family by medical records and/or death certificates when possible. You may also be asked for a thorough personal medical history. This may include early detection practices, gynecologic history, lifestyle factors, and exposure to things that may cause cancer (carcinogens). You may also have a physical exam.
A genetic counselor will discuss the pros and cons of genetic testing with you. The counselor will also talk to you about what the tests might mean for your risk and that of your family members, how to cope with the test results, and how to discuss them with others in your family.
Once all of these issues have been addressed, you will be asked to give your written consent for the testing itself. Once you have signed the consent form, lab tests are done to look for genetic factors linked to breast cancer.
Once the testing is complete, the lab reports the test results in writing to the doctor or genetic counselor. At this time another counseling session (or more than one) will be scheduled. The accuracy of the test and the meaning of the results will be carefully reviewed before they are shared with you.
Liked by 3 practitionersGenetic testing is done only after you and your health care team feel sure that it is the best thing for you and your family. There are several steps before the actual testing is completed. The first step in genetic testing is to find out how likely... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:The genetic testing is a simple blood test. Most insurance companies cover the cost of the test. There is just one lab in the United States that performs the analysis at this time, so it can take about 21 days to get your results back. Let your doctor know if you have a family member who has already tested positive. In those cases, the lab can look specifically for your family's gene alteration, and you may get your results sooner.
The genetic testing is a simple blood test. Most insurance companies cover the cost of the test. There is just one lab in the United States that performs the analysis at this time, so it can take about 21 days to get your results back. Let your... More -
Dr. Ajay Sahajpal of Aurora Health Care answered:Genetic testing cannot help treat or diagnose breast cancer, but it can give insight to women who have a strong family history of breast cancer. Genetic testing can be done to identify an inherited gene mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA 2) which has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Genetic testing can be done by a simple blood test.
If genetic testing shows a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation, it does not mean that you will get breast cancer, but it does show that you may be at risk for development.
Liked by 1 practitionerGenetic testing cannot help treat or diagnose breast cancer, but it can give insight to women who have a strong family history of breast cancer. Genetic testing can be done to identify an inherited gene mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA 2) which has been... More -
Scott Weissman of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:Technically, genetic testing for breast cancer just involves giving either a blood or saliva sample. The sample is then sent to a genetic testing laboratory where they read the genetic code of which ever gene you are being evaluated for. Genetic testing generally takes 2-3 weeks to get the results back and most insurance companies cover the cost depending on the gene being tested for. Most genetic testing is coordinate through a genetics professional and you can find a genetic counselor at the following website: http://www.nsgc.org/FindaGeneticCounselor/tabid/64/Default.aspx
Technically, genetic testing for breast cancer just involves giving either a blood or saliva sample. The sample is then sent to a genetic testing laboratory where they read the genetic code of which ever gene you are being evaluated for. Genetic... More
